Do You Really Need That to Survive: Paracord Bracelet

You can get a Paracord bracelet with a compass, fire starter, fish hooks, fishing line and so on. Handy, but you only get anywhere from 10 to 12 feet of Paracord, but any length of cordage is better than none right. This is true, however, for a few bucks, you can get 50 to 100 feet that take up little space, and you do not have the fuss of trying to unwind the bracelet without cutting it when needed. Once you do unwind it, then you have to stuff the hooks, line, and compass somewhere else.

The bracelets do serve a purpose and a quality one is handy for those that do not or cannot carry and EDC kit with them daily. However, don’t be lulled into thinking a Paracord bracelet bulging with fishhooks and line is all you need for a hiking or other outdoor adventures. They are an emergency backup at the very most in our opinion and in some cases, the cheaper bracelets are simply cosmetic, but they do make you look like you are ready for anything.

Do you wear it all the time, or does it get in the way of working? If you work with your hands, a bracelet is not always a good idea. It can get caught on stuff, it gets dirty, sweaty, and wet, and then what, you take it off. Take it off and leave it somewhere to dry. Oh my, where oh where did I leave it this time.

Options

A Paracord belt is one option, and you can get up to 100 feet of cord that is worn like any belt. If you’re ingenious, you can attach survival gear to the belt with Ranger bands or stitch some fishing line or make a pouch to put small items in and attach to the belt.

The point is that you know you need Paracord or some other quality cordage, and you want it as uncomplicated as possible. How to carry or store is always a problem, but there are staples that must always be in your survival pack or on your person.

Complicated techniques and gear are ok when playing around in the backyard or experimenting in a controlled environment, but once out in the field, you want uncomplicated gear and tools. Your hands may be wet or cold, you will be stressed and scared even, and so your gear needs to be simple and easy to handle under any conditions.

You do not want to be fiddling with a bracelet trying to get some cordage to secure your tarp when the lightening is flickering and the thunder is booming in your ears. If you have unwound bracelets in the past, then you know the time it takes, and some of you will be able to do it without any problems, while others may not be so lucky.

Wear a quality bracelet, but know the limitations and your own limitations, and never rely on just one item or piece of gear, and remember the more complicated it is, the worse it may end up being for you.